The taller the better! Mind where you position the candles..Now is a good time to collect big bunches from under the trees in gardens and parks or countryside and put them in a dry shed or cupboard for a few weeks. Then you can spray them white or silver to decorate the house for, whisper it, Christmas.(Today I stocked up on flour, sugar, icing sugar and toasted flaked almonds in anticipation of that same event....)

Now is a good time to collect big bunches from under the trees in gardens and parks or countryside and put them in a dry shed or cupboard for a few weeks. Then you can spray them white or silver to decorate the house for, whisper it, Christmas.